Recognition highlights broadcast and digital journalism focused on the residents of greater Tampa Bay region and Florida.
TAMPA, Fla. (May 26, 2023) – Announced this week, WUSF Public Media has been honored with three prestigious Regional Edward R. Murrow Regional Awards, including the award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the special series, Black Mental Health, that discussed issues of racism, health inequalities and the systemic effects of Jim Crow segregation for Black Americans.
Granted by the Radio Television Digital News Association, the Murrow Awards are among the most highly regarded broadcasting awards in the United States, and winners in these regional competitions will vie for national awards to be announced later this year. WUSF competes in a region that includes Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The WUSF newsroom was recognized in the Large Market Radio Division for Excellence in Diversity/Equity/Inclusion, Excellence in Sound and News Series.
“I am so thrilled for my team’s accomplishments,” said WUSF General Manager JoAnn Urofsky. “Every day they come ready to report what really matters to the residents of Florida and doing so at the highest of levels.”
Awards recognized journalistic work, including:
— Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Black Mental Health
— Excellence in Sound: Seagrass thrive in the Gulf of Mexico While Withering Elsewhere
— News Series: Black Mental Health
WUSF collaborated with The Florida Courier, The Weekly Challenger and RoyalTee magazine to underline the stories of Black Floridians to highlight the need for resources for those seeking emotional support to aid mental health. The group effort was a part of the National America Amplified Community Engagement Initiative, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
WUSF reporter Steve Newborn called attention to the preservation of Florida’s seagrass in the Gulf of Mexico. When so much of our ecological life is dying or at risk, seagrass is thriving in parts of the Gulf. Ecological experts explain the need to preserve these areas on Florida’s coasts because more than 70 percent of marine life relies on the grass for survival.
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Media Contact:
Richard Mullins
O: (813) 228-0652 X- 1227
C: (813) 992-8139
About WUSF Public Media
WUSF Public Media is a comprehensive media organization that provides media services to the community and businesses through public broadcasting and multi-media production services. Licensed to the University of South Florida, WUSF Public Media serves the public interest through programming, educational outreach and community partnerships. For more information, visit www.wusf.org.